He said higher standards of discipline have been proposed for players under the national governing body. “For those who do not meet the higher standards, appropriate action may be taken against them. This includes barring them from competing (in certain tournaments),” he told reporters.

It was reported recently that BAM performance committee chairman Lee Chong Wei had expressed grave concern over disciplinary issues plaguing national badminton players.

Tengku Zafrul said disciplinary problems are not new but must be addressed immediately if the national team is to regain its competitive edge at the highest level.

He said BAM has already enforced several strict regulations, including making it mandatory for unmarried players to reside at the Academy Badminton Malaysia hostel in Bukit Kiara.

“One of the decisions made is to ensure all our players, including the seniors, stay together with the juniors at the hostel, except for those who are married or have valid reasons,” he added.